Method for charging deep cycle (Minn Kota Box) battery while driving?

[mpluto]

I'll start by saying - this is a temporary solution. With the Truck, RTT, recovery gear, etc. purchases recently, power is just not in the budget. We'll make due without it but would love to leverage the battery I have for my electric trolling motor for lights, charging phones, etc. while out exploring.

What are my options (if any) to charge a deep cycle battery that is in a Minn Kota Power Center (battery box) while driving?

Some details:
- Vehicle - 2017 F150 with factory inverter (AC 110V / 400w max)
- Battery - EverStart Maxx Lead Acid 29DC 110ah

I'll need to find a way to get a wire/cable out of the cabin and into the bed as I don't want the battery off gassing in the cabin.

Have to imagine there's some sort of relatively inexpensive charger option. Maybe not though. At home the battery is on a Battery Tender. My other option is to look at a solar setup but we are in Western Washington so that is a less practical option a good portion of the year in the trees.

Thanks!

 

[john61ct]

While driving all you need is a high-gauge wire, rated for say 25A, directly connected to the alt-starter batt circuit.

Measure your alt output voltage while charging a 30-50% depleted batt, you may need a bigger gauge to avoid too much voltage drop.

Blue Sea Circuit Wizard app will help calculate, depends on wire length.

___
An ignition solenoid to prevent flattening the starter batt, long as that's the only charge source.

A VSR / combiner will give more future flexibility for when you add solar / genny / mains charging.

A DCDC charger is only required if the thickest wire still drops voltage too much.

A FLA batt charging in the living space is NBD for most, just ventilate a bit if you smell sulphur.

 

[mep1811]

I use a TOAD charging system . https://www.rvupgradestore.com/TOAD-CHARGE-p/toad-charge-40.htm

 

[john61ct]

10A is very limited, but that may be fine for OP's use case.

For now.